It is often the glamour of a long coat that makes a breed
visually appealing to prospective owners but the work entailed in keeping
long coated dogs and cats looking attractive is sometimes the reason why they
become neglected.
Dogs come in greater variety than most other species and this variation applies
not only to size and shape and colour but also to the length, density and
texture of their hair. Owning a long coated dog requires a commitment to grooming.
Unless an owner is prepared to spend whatever time may be required to groom
a long coated dog every week for the animal’s life, then it is better to select
a dog with a coat that requires less maintenance.
Breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise and many of the terrier breeds are non-shedding
but have hair that requires clipping, cutting or stripping on a regular basis.
All non-shedding breeds have coats which mat if not groomed regularly.
Even the short and smooth coated dogs must be regularly brushed to remove
dead hair and to keep the skin clean and healthy.
Many owners may find it easier to have a professional groom the dog. The breeds
that require trimming or clipping will often look more attractive if they
have a professional haircut - much like cutting your own hair as against going
to the hairdresser.
Professional groomers will also clean ears, cut nails, bathe and flea rinse
the dog and will dry the dog with large, fast and safe hairdryers specially
made for dogs!
Removing knots and tangles from coats which have been neglected can be very
difficult and is definitely a job for the professional.
Long coated cats also require diligent grooming and are generally not as co-operative
about grooming as dogs. Owners should not attempt to cut away the mats and
tangles on their cat as it is very easy to cut the skin. Many veterinarians
will shave the matted areas away, and some professional dog groomers also
cater for cats. Groomers need excellent animal handling skills as well as
a deep love and understanding of animals. and of course, hairdressing skills.
Groomers develop a friendship with the animals which they regularly groom
and the animals see the visit as a social outing where they get to meet other
animals as well as be pampered. When the dog is wet and in the bath, or is
being handled during grooming , the groomer is often the first person to pick
up a lump or other health problem with the dog that the owner may not have
noticed and is able to advise that the dog receive veterinary attention. After
a visit to its ‘hairdresser’ the pet feels clean and comfortable and often
very frisky. We all love compliments - do not forget to tell your pet how
good it looks! 2005#10.1
Long coated cats also require diligent grooming and are generally not as co-operative
about grooming as dogs. Owners should not attempt to cut away the mats and
tangles on their cat as it is very easy to cut the skin. Many veterinarians
will shave the matted areas away, and some professional dog groomers also
cater for cats.
Groomers need excellent animal handling skills as well as a deep love and
understanding of animals. and of course, hairdressing skills. Groomers develop
a friendship with the animals which they regularly groom and the animals see
the visit as a social outing where they get to meet other animals as well
as be pampered.
When the dog is wet and in the bath, or is being handled during grooming ,
the groomer is often the first person to pick up a lump or other health problem
with the dog that the owner may not have noticed and is able to advise that
the dog receive veterinary attention.
After a visit to its ‘hairdresser’ the pet feels clean and comfortable and
often very frisky. We all love compliments - do not forget to tell your pet
how good it looks!
Author: Petcare Information & Advisory
Service Australia Pty Ltd
